Archery bow string release tab and draw limiting device

ABSTRACT

A bow string draw limiting device for archers to maintain a constant draw length during shooting. The device includes a nonstretchable line secured at one end to the bow near the handle and having a free end a reel or bobbin is provided for convolutions of the line to vary the length of the line to adjust to the archer&#39;&#39;s draw length a slip tab or disc is provided at the free end of the line which is engageable with the shooting fingers and serves as a drawn bow string limit stop.

United States Patent Altier [54] ARCHERY BOW STRING RELEASE TAB AND DRAW LHVIITING DEVICE [72] Inventor: Anthony L. Altier, Honesdale, Pa. 18431 [22] Filed: Oct. 6, 1969 [21] Appl. No: 864,143

[52] 0.8. CI ..l24/24, 2/21, 124/35, 124/30 B [51] Int. Cl ..F41b 5/00 [58] Field oiSearch ..124/30 A, 22, 21, 23, 24, 30 R, 124/35; 272/75 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,457,983 6/1923 Malone ..l24/24 Swenson et a]. 1 24/30 A 51 May 30, 1972 3,294,078 12/1966 Allen 124/23 3,297,013 1/1967 Smith et a1. ..l24/30 A 3,263,995 8/1966 Morrow ..272/75 Primary Examiner-Richard C. Pinkham Assistant Examiner-William R. Browne Attorney-Dennison and Dennison 1 1 ABSTRACT A bow string draw limiting device for archers to maintain a constant draw length during shooting. The device includes a non-stretchable line secured at one end to the bow near the handle and having a free end a reel or bobbin is provided for convolutions of the line to vary the length of the line to adjust to the archers draw length a slip tab or disc is provided at the free end of the line which is engageable with the shooting fingers and serves as a drawn bow string limit stop.

9 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures Patented May 30, 1972 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR ANTHONY L. ALTIER ATTORN EYS Patented May 30, 1972 3,665,911

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ANTHONY L. ALTIER ATTORNEYS ARCHERY BOW STRING RELEASE TAB AND DRAW LIMITING DEVICE The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in archery equipment and specifically to an attachment to existing archery bows for limiting the draw of the bow string and to aid in the release thereof.

In both field, hunting, and target archery, it is essential in order to achieve any degree of accuracy for the archer to maintain a consistent draw length. That is, the distance from the bow handle to the nocking point on the bow string must be the same each time an arrow is pulled into the full draw position. Failure to maintain a consistent draw length by overdrawing will result in excess forces applied to the arrow by the released string which will cause a high shot, or if an underdraw is made, the arrow will fall short of the desired target. In the prior art, several systems have been suggested to maintain proper draw length. The clicker system has been used for many years and this arrangement employs a spring arm attached to the bow handle through which the arrow passes during the draw. When the proper draw length is reached, the arrow passes by the clicker and the same emits a slight sound against the bow handle. Such arrangements have proven unsatisfactory for most users since the clicking sound frequently causes the archer to flinch or trigger his release prematurely. Additionally, such clickers in the field tend to spook the game being stalked, and hence have proven of relatively little value in hunting archery. In actuality, clickers cannot be used with the conventional broadheads used in most hunting since the same have a width of approximately 1 inch or more and hence cannot be pulled through a conventional clicker device. The draw check device of the instant invention is the only such arrangement known which can be used with broadheads.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a draw limiting means for attachment to conventional archery bows which provides consistent draw length for the archer.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a combination draw checking attachment and a release tab affixed to the end thereof which permits the draw hand to slip free thereby allowing the bow string to fly forward exactly on center.

Another object of the invention herein is to provide an archery bow draw limiting device which is adjustable for different draw lengths.

Another object of this invention is to provide an archers draw limit device which will enable the exact preset draw length to be taken in a minimum amount of time and which enhances a smooth and exact release of the bow string.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an archery bow string release tab and draw limiting device, bearing the above objects in mind, which is of durable construction, is at all times efiicient, safe and accurate in use, which is light in weight, which has a minimum number of parts and is easy to manufacture and relatively inexpensive.

For other objects and for a better understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. I is a plan view of the archery bow string release tab and draw limiting device with a bow attaching eyelet screw secured thereto;

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the release tab of the invention with the line length adjusting bobbin pulled out from the release tab;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention in use on a conventional recurve bow and showing the full draw position in dotted lines;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the hand of the archer shown in FIG. 2, and disclosing the manner of use of the release tab;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation taken on the side opposite that shown in FIG. 3 and showing the manner of attachment of the draw limiting device to the bow handle;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but showing a modified form of draw limiting device attachment; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a modified form of release for use with a conventional archery glove.

Reference is now made more specifically to the drawings wherein like numerals designate similar parts throughout the several views and wherein the archery bow string release tab and draw limiting device is shown generally at 10.

The draw limiting device comprises an elongated braided steel wire 11 which is kink resistant and is encased by a nonstretch nylon or other plastic cover. Such plastic coated wire is commercially available on the market and provides both stability against stretch and kinking as well as protection against the elements and rust formation. One end of the wire 11 passes through a loop 12 of a swivel assembly 13 and is clinched to itself to form a bight as by means of a thin metal ferrule 14 which may be radially deformed or crimped by a conventional clinching tool. The opposite loop 15 of the swivel 13 is connected to a screw eyelet 16 which is adapted to be secured to the handle 18 of the bow B as shown in FIG. 3.

It is preferable that the screw hook 16 be secured to the bow handle below the arrow rest in order to prevent tipping the bow and changing the shooting characteristics and further to comply with the requirements of international competition which requires that all such attachments must be secured below the arrow. It is of course possible, if desired, to secure the line 11 above the arrow rest portion.

The opposite end of line 11 is doubled upon itself as shown at 20 and this doubled over portion is secured to the standing part of the line by means of a deformed ferrule 21. The doubled over portion of the line passes through a longitudinal opening 23 in a slip tab construction 24 and then is passed through an eyelet 25 in bobbin 26. The bobbin 26 is preferably formed of thin metal stock which has semicircular line receiving end openings 27 and 28 adapted to retain the line wound about the bobbin securely and prevent the same from slipping. It will be noted that the effective length of the line may be shortened or lengthened by merely unwinding one or more convolutions of the doubled over portion of the line 20 from about the bobbin and pulling through or withdrawing the end portion of the line 29 as shown in FIG. 2.

The slip tab 24 differs considerably from the conventional release tabs presently .used in archery. This new tab construction is preferably formed from double faced cordovan shell leather with the two facings 30 and 31 formed of the identical shape and stitched together along the longitudinal lines 32 and 33 to define the longitudinal opening 23 therebetween which is adapted to receive in frictionally tight relationship the line bobbin 26 as shown best in FIG. 1. A pair of line exit openings 34 and 35 are formed in each of the faces of the slip tab and the doubled over portion of the line is adapted to pass through one of these selected openings in the manner shown in FIG. 1. These openings provide adjustment as to the position of the draw limit line 11 with regard to the slip tab and is purely a matter of choice and preference to the archer and dependent upon individual shooting style.

The slip tab 24 is bifurcated as shown at 36 in the conventional fashion in order to provide a passageway for the arrow A. See FIG. 4. In use, the three shooting fingers of the archer are placed on the tab in the manner shown in FIG. 4 with the index finger on the upper portion of the bifurcated tab and the two adjacent fingers resting on the lower major portion of the slip tab. The nock 38 of the arrow rests in the bifurcated portion 36 and engages the bow string 40.

With the construction noted, the archer will pull the bow string 40 to the proper anchor point as determined by custom and usage and will then adjust the length of line 1 1 by winding or unwinding the doubled over portion 20 about the bobbin 26 after withdrawing the same as in FIG. 2. It will be seen from FIG. 1 that a very small portion 41 of the bobbin 26 extends visibly above the opening 23 wherein the same may be pulled out to the position of FIG. 2 by a small tool such as pliers or the like. If desired, the entire bobbin may be recessed into the opening 23 and yet access may be had thereto by means of a small screwdriver or other sharp instrument. When the desired draw length is set, and the bobbin replaced into position in the slip tab, it will be seen that the line 11 will remain tight and will be secure against elongation when tension is supplied thereto by the archer. It will also be seen that the length of line 11 from its connection to the ring 12 of the eyelet 13 to the aperture 34 on the tab is constant at all times. This length of course is readily adjustable in the manner described above by merely changing the number of turns of the line doubled over portion 20 on the bobbin 26.

In using the release tab and draw limiting device, the archer nocks and arrow A in the conventional manner and places the slip tab 24 into position on the bow string 40 with the fingers applied thereto in the manner shown best in FIG. 4. He then draws rearwardly with the fingers slightly bent until the limit of the draw is reached when the line 1 1 is taut as shown in the dotted line position of FIG. 3. At this point the proper sight picture is achieved either by the instinctive method or by means of a bow sight. Backward tension is maintained and release is accomplished by continual application of pressure by the fingers on the slip tab. Slight relaxation of this pressure causes the draw fingers to roll off of the bow string and slide free from the tab. The hand will then continue straight backward in a follow-through motion. This method of release will cause the bow string to fly almost perfectly straight forward eliminating a considerable amount of side whipping or S- action, which is common with ordinary bow string release methods. It should be noted that there is no triggering or positive release of the bow string. The fingers in effect roll off of the string and a constant backward tension is kept thereupon at all times, and at the same time the fingers are relaxed after release, accomplishing proper release and follow through. In use, it will be noted that the bow string during its flight forward will tend to deflect the slip tab 24 and due to the roll off of the fingers, the tab will deflect to either the right or the left side, depending upon whether or not the shooter is right or left handed. At any rate, neither the slip tab 24 nor the line 11 will be any hindrance to proper release of the bow string or passage of the arrow.

Due to the construction of the slip tab, the same can be used by either right or left handed archers by merely reversing the relationship of the tab with the line.

The previous methods of bow string release including a finger tab which is worn on the hand require the finger tab to slide off of the bow string, which, due to friction between the tab and the string, actually twists the bow string slightly. With the present method, the hand actually slips off of the slip tab and the tab will fall down a fraction of a second after the arrow is on its way to the target. The present system has the advantage of not requiring the archer to take his eyes ofi of the target or his target sight in order to check the consistency of his draw length, the same in the instant invention is automatically achieved when the limit of the length of line 11 is reached and further rearward motion merely results in release of the arrow without triggering the same. Proper draw length is actually felt without moving the eye to check on position. This system provides stability which is obtained by pulling with the draw fingers at the same time the bow hand is pushing against the handle of the bow and this combined motion actually steadies the bow and the release hand by pulling to the preset length through every shot. An added advantage of the present invention is that the release tab always remains with the bow and cannot be lost.

At the fully draw position before relaxation of the finger pressure, the archer is pulling against a rigid unyielding fixed body which also indirectly serves as a form of isometric exercise, developing the arm muscles of the archer with continued use of the device.

If it is desired to attach the line 11 to a bow in a temporary manner rather than by use of the screw eyelet 16 so as not to damage the bow, a D-ring 50 may be attached to the loop 15 of the swivel l3 and the straight portion of the D-ring may be secured to the bow handle by means of adhesive backed tape 51 shown in FIG. 6.

Another modification of the invention is shown in FIG. 7.

Some archers prefer to use a three-fingered shooting glove rather than a slip tab construction. Such a glove is shown at 52 and includes a wrist strap 53. In this modification, the slip tab 24 is replaced by a small leather disc 54. The line 11 passes through a small aperture formed in the center of the disc and is secured against withdrawal therefrom by a knot or button 55 on the line.

In use, the line 11 passes between the index and third finger so that the flat back of the disc 54 rests against the inside of the fingers with the finger tip portions of the glove engaging the bow string. Continued rearward movement of the shooting hand causes release of the bow string as well as the line 1 l and its leather disc.

What I claim as may invention and desire to protect by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In combination with an archery bow having a handle portion and a bow string for propelling arrows, the improvement comprising a bow string draw limiting device, said bow string limiting device comprising a relatively nonstretchable line means having a length equal to the draw length of an archer, means for securing one end of said line means to the bow adjacent to said handle portion thereof, the other end of said line means being free and unattached, and finger engaging means secured to the other end of said line means for limiting the draw distance of the bow string, and said finger engaging means engaging the face of at least two shooting fingers of the user while the bow string is being drawn.

2. The combination as set forth in claim 1 and further including means to change the effective length of said line means.

3. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said line means comprises a stranded steel cable having a plastic covermg.

4. The combination as set forth in claim 1, wherein said finger engaging means comprises a bifurcated flexible string release slip tab.

5. The combination as set forth in claim 4, and further including a pocket in said slip tab, bobbin means removably received in said pocket, said other end of said line means being wound on said bobbin to efi'ect adjustability of effective line length of said line means.

6. The combination as set forth in claim 5, and including aperture means on the side of said slip tab for communicating with said pocket and through which said line means passes.

7. The combination as set forth in claim 1, wherein said finger engaging means comprises a circular disc having a line receiving central opening, for receiving said line means passing through said opening and said line means having a retaining knot therein to prevent withdrawal form said disc.

8. The combination as set forth in claim 1, said means for securing one end of said line means to the bow comprising, a screw eye threadedly received in the bow, a swivel connected to said screw eye, and said line means having a bight portion attached to said swivel.

9. The combination as set forth in claim 1, said means for securing one end of said line means to the bow comprising a D-ring taped to the bow handle, a swivel connected to said D- ring, and said line means having a bight portion attached to said swivel.

* k It at 

1. In combination with an archery bow having a handle portion and a bow string for propelling arrows, the improvement comprising a bow string draw limiting device, said bow string limiting device comprising a relatively nonstretchable line means having a length equal to the draw length of an archer, means for securing one end of said line means to the bow adjacent to said handle portion thereof, the other end of said line means being free and unattached, and finger engaging means secured to the other end of said line means for limiting the draw distance of the bow string, and said finger engaging means engaging the face of at least two shooting fingers of the user while the bow string is being drawn.
 2. The combination as set forth in claim 1 and further including means to change the effective length of said line means.
 3. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said line means comprises a stranded steel cable having a plastic covering.
 4. The combination as set forth in claim 1, wherein said finger engaging means comprises a bifurcated flexible string release slip tab.
 5. The combination as set forth in claim 4, and further including a pocket in said slip tab, bobbin means removably received in said pocket, said other end of said line means being wound on said bobbin to effect adjustability of effeCtive line length of said line means.
 6. The combination as set forth in claim 5, and including aperture means on the side of said slip tab for communicating with said pocket and through which said line means passes.
 7. The combination as set forth in claim 1, wherein said finger engaging means comprises a circular disc having a line receiving central opening, for receiving said line means passing through said opening and said line means having a retaining knot therein to prevent withdrawal form said disc.
 8. The combination as set forth in claim 1, said means for securing one end of said line means to the bow comprising, a screw eye threadedly received in the bow, a swivel connected to said screw eye, and said line means having a bight portion attached to said swivel.
 9. The combination as set forth in claim 1, said means for securing one end of said line means to the bow comprising a D-ring taped to the bow handle, a swivel connected to said D-ring, and said line means having a bight portion attached to said swivel. 